- The nation's blueprint for embracing individuals identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community
After a series of discriminatory incidents against the LGBTQ+ community in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the state government revised its "Diversity and Tolerance Mecklenburg-Vorpommern - United in Diversity" strategy on Tuesday. Over 80 initiatives will be executed in the coming years to integrate LGBTQ+ concerns further into society, as revealed by the Ministry of Social Affairs.
In sincerity, educators' training will encompass queer issues, according to a ministry representative. The umbrella term "queer" encompasses individuals such as lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender persons, and intersex people. The acronym LSBTIQ* is also commonly used for this group.
Rostock's Rainbow Bench Defaced
Regrettably, anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment and attempts to intimidate remain prevalent in society and are on the rise, acknowledged Sylvia Grimm, State Secretary for Social Affairs. "The recurring vandalism of Rostock's Rainbow Bench and the replacement of the Rainbow Flag with a Swastika Flag at Neubrandenburg station are just two instances of this," Grimm lamented. Grimm advocated for society's acceptance of the LSBTIQ* community.
A 2020 online study conducted by the ministry found that 72% of LSBTIQ* participants reported feeling comfortable expressing their sexual orientation or gender identity in MV. However, every second respondent had suffered negative reactions such as discrimination, rejection, or exclusion due to their sexual orientation or gender identity in the past five years. Transgender and intersex individuals were disproportionately affected.
Population Generally Accepting
Parallelly, a representative study of MV residents was carried out in 2020 to assess their attitudes. According to the study, most people displayed tolerance in 2020. For example, 81% said they would have no objection if their child's kindergarten caregiver was gay or lesbian. Sixty-seven percent believed students should learn about various sexual orientations in school.
The action plan will now be forwarded to the state parliament for information. The ministry revealed that numerous associations had contributed to its development.
Despite the progress made in societal acceptance, as indicated by the 2020 representative study showing 81% of residents having no objection to a gay or lesbian kindergarten caregiver, the defacement of Rostock's Rainbow Bench and the replacement of the Rainbow Flag with a Swastika Flag at Neubrandenburg station underscores the need for further acceptance and tolerance towards the LSBTIQ* community. In striving for a more inclusive society, it's crucial for us to foster continued acceptance, as advocated by Grimm.
